A Tourist's Guide to Australia's Deadly Wildlife

For many people, Australia represents a dream holiday destination; its good weather, glorious beaches and vibrant cities make the country such an attractive tourist destination. Unfortunately, as with anything, Australia has it’s downsides and perhaps the most unsettling thing to many holidaymakers is the wild array of dangerous wildlife that call the country home. This certainly shouldn’t discourage you from heading down under however; the chances of you falling victim to a deadly critter are highly unlikely, but it doesn’t hurt to get a little clued-up before your visit just in case the unthinkable happens.

Blue Ring Octopus

Many of Australia’s deadliest animals live in the sea and as one of the most toxic creatures on the planet, the Blue Ring Octopus is certainly a danger to those hoping to dip their toe in Australia’s temperate waters. The octopus itself is only the size of a golf ball, but if provoked they have been known to attack humans and if this happens, there is currently no antidote for the sea creature’s poison. A bite from a Blue Ring Octopus can cause cardiac arrest in humans and even if things don’t get quite that serious, the experience will still be excruciatingly painful. These octopi’s distinctive blue ring markings will become more vivid if the animal is angered, so if you’re out snorkelling and spot an octopus looking distressed, get out as quickly as possible.

Funnel Web Spider

The Funnel Web Spider may not have the deadliest venom out of the animals on this list, but its stealthy ways make it one of the most dangerous animals in Australia. Funnel Web Spiders are often found hiding in people’s clothing, most commonly in discarded shoes. The worst thing about the Funnel Web is that it has fangs capable of biting through fingernails or leather shoes. So what’s the best way to avoid being attacked by a Funnel Web Spider? If you’ve left your shoes out overnight, always turn them upside down and give them a thorough shake to ensure there are no creepy crawlies inside. In the unlikely event that you are bitten by a Funnel Web, anti-venom is easily available.

Stone Fish

Commonly recognised as the most poisonous fish in the world, the Stone Fish is a genuine threat to the safety of swimmers in Australian waters. The fish is, as its name suggests, disguised as a stone and it has 13 deadly spines, which if trodden on by an innocent swimmer will send venom directly into the victim’s bloodstream. These stings have been known to be fatal, however medical advancements have meant that most who fall foul of the Stone Fish now survive. All the same, a sting from this fish is said to cause excruciating pain and may leave nasty scars on the effected area.

Box Jellyfish

The Box Jellyfish is not only the most deadly animal in Australia, but also the deadliest in the world. These simple creatures pack an incredibly lethal sting. If you’re going to be swimming in waters where Box Jellyfish are known to be present, take a bottle of vinegar with you in your first aid kit, which should be poured on any sting to neutralise it as soon as possible. Although lifeguards will often close beaches if there is a chance that there’s a Box Jellyfish close to shore, don’t risk going in the water.

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Rizwan Ahmad

About the Author:

This article is posted by Rizwan Ahmad Author and founder of myfoodforu, He is a blogger from India and he loves to share his thoughts by writing articles on this site to the different topics ,